2nd Grade Science Fair Projects

2nd graders are really more interactive in science than 1st grade. They learn how to ask questions, make observations and interact with materials. BUT, the still cannot do a real science fair project because they do not have read or understand scientific research. What they do love to do is write a hypothesis along with hands are experiments and projects.

Science Learning Characteristics of Second Grader's

• 2nd graders learn from experience. That is why it is so important for them to have first hand experiences in the world around them. If they read about a mountain but have never seen one, it is difficult for them to imagine a mountain. This experiences are building blocks for future learning.

I remember teaching having remedial 3rd grade readers who read about visiting a zoo. They could not imagine what it was like. Their parents / school had not taken them to the outstanding Milwaukee Zoo which was only an hour from their community.

After having a discussion with the classroom teacher she arranged for a field trip to the zoo. When they returned we re-read the story. Their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills catapult.

• They are able to processing information better than a year ago

get the subtleties of puns, riddles, and sarcasm




build on what they know to better understand themselves




make connections to new concepts

For example: If they previously had a fascinaion with ants, they now can study details of an ant’s anatomy, and then compare it to a spider.

What 2nd Graders Learn in Science

• Tools your child will enjoy using when doing 2nd grade science fair projects are clocks, measuring cups, and rulers.
• They have the ability to gather information, write their observations, classify and put objects and events in squential order, and recognize patterns.
• Construct pictures and bar graphs.
• Second graders will be asked to make predictions about their natural world.
• They learn about the Earth

its natural resources




how people use these resources to get energy




how the Earth changes over time




how we learn about fossils through the history of the Earth




study of the life cycles of plants and animals

2nd graders feel pressures more from adults and peers than before. They begin to worry that they are not good enough so they work really hard to preform to expectations.

Suggest you take the pressure off so that the 2nd grader does not begin to have self-deprecating feelings because they tend to be very self-critical at this age. No is the time to focus on buidling their self-esteem thru positive reinforcement when your children / students exhibit positive behavior or successful achievements... the moment it occurs.